Gen Thirachai Nakwanich has been nominated army chief in the final defence reshuffle list submitted to the prime minister on Monday, said Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon.
Gen Preecha Chan-o-cha, Gen Prayut's brother, was tipped to be defence permanent secretary, a position on the same pay scale but viewed as less powerful because it does not come with direct command of the 200,000-strong army.
- Earlier report: Prayut's brother tipped to be permanent secretary
Both generals are assistant army chiefs at present and will retire next year.
"The commander-in-chief nomination was well accepted and has been done according to procedure," Gen Prawit said.
After the chief of each armed force proposed the name of his successor to the Defence Ministry, the Defence Board vetted the list and sent it to the prime minister for endorsement.
Gen Thirachai will most likely be the new army chief. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Army chief Udomdej Sitabutr, who retires at the end of September, said the names were unlikely to be changed at this stage.
"What's more important is that once in charge, a commander has to make sure the army is honourable and gentlemanly, a force that people can rely on. The post comes with great responsibility," he said.